Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.

Objective: To examine the relationship among physical education core literacy, exercise self efficacy, physical self esteem and subjective exercise experience among middle school students, and to analyze the latent classes of exercise self efficacy, so as to provide evidence for enhancing adolescents subjective exercise experience. Methods: Using stratified cluster random sampling, 2 569 students from 12 provinces, autonomous regions or municipality directly under the central govement (Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Guizhou, Henan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shandong, Hubei, Hebei) were surveyed from September to November in 2024 with Core Competency Scale of Physical Education, Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale, Exercise Self Efficacy Scale, and Physical Self esteem Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among physical education core literacy, exercise self efficacy, physical self esteem, and subjective exercise experience. Mediation models with Bootstrap testing were employed to examine the mediating roles of exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem in the relationship between physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience. Latent profile analysis (LPA) of exercise self efficacy was performed using Mplus 8.3. Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive associations between physical education core literacy and exercise self efficacy ( r =0.21), physical self esteem ( r =0.38), and subjective exercise experience ( r =0.40); exercise self efficacy was positively correlated with physical self esteem ( r =0.25) and subjective exercise experience ( r =0.45); and physical self esteem was positively correlated with subjective exercise experience ( r =0.34) (all P <0.01). Mediation analysis indicated that physical education core literacy positively predicted subjective exercise experience ( β =0.41, P <0.05), with exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem serving as partial mediators (effect size=0.14, P <0.01), accounting for 34% of the total effect. LPA identified three latent classes of exercise self efficacy:low (14.71%, n =378), moderate (65.51%, n =1 683), and high (19.78%, n =508) exercise self efficacy groups. Conclusion Adolescents exercise self efficacy demonstrates heterogeneity, and both exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem mediate the relationship between physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience.

Objective: To investigate the impact of milk and egg supplementation on body composition and bone mineral density of rural primary school students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide a reference for developing targeted nutritional intervention strategies. Methods: In December 2023, a cluster sampling method was adopted to select students from grades one to three in four primary schools each from Jinggu and Shidian countys of Yunnan Province, as the intervention group (662 students). Additionally, two boarding primary schools were selected from each county based on the principle of matching scale and student numbers as the control group (455 students). Starting from April 2023, the intervention group received 200 mL milk and 50 g eggs during the break on school days for 8 months, while the control group maintained their usual diet behavior. Body composition was measured by using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and distal radial bone mineral density was assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in April and December 2023. The intervention effects were analyzed by using a difference in-differences approach. Results: The final measurements of body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass and fat free mass of the intervention group and the control group of primary school students were significantly higher than the baseline values, and the net effect of milk and egg intervention on these body composition indicators was not statistically significant ( P >0.05, both before and after adjustment). In contrast, bone mineral density increased significantly by 0.02 g/cm 2 in the intervention group. The net intervention effect on bone mineral density was statistically significant ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04), and remained significant after model adjustment ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04) (both P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant effects of the intervention among girls ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04), day students ( β=0.04, 95%CI =0.01-0.07), and students with normal nutritional status ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04) (all P <0.05). No significant effect of milk and egg supplementation was observed on body composition indicators (all P <0.05). Conclusions Milk and egg supplementation can improve bone mineral density among rural primary school students in Yunnan Province. It is recommended that rural school aged children should increase intake of milk and eggs to support growth and development.

This study aims to explore the protective effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, and to clarify its possible mechanisms, providing a new basis for basic research on the mechanism of classic Chinese medicinal formula-mediated inflammatory response in preventing and treating heart failure induced by apoptosis after myocardial infarction. A heart failure model after myocardial infarction was established in rats by coronary artery ligation. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction, with 10 rats in each group. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction were given 6.3, 12.6, and 25.2 g·kg~(-1) doses by gavage, respectively. The sham group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage once daily for four consecutive weeks. Cardiac function was assessed using color Doppler echocardiography. Myocardial pathology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay, and mitophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. Additionally, the expression of phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) p65(p-NF-κB p65)(upstream) and nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha(IκBα)(downstream) in the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the sham group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening(LVFS) in the model group were significantly reduced, while left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD) increased significantly. Myocardial tissue damage was severe, with widened intercellular spaces and disorganized cell arrangement. The apoptosis rate was increased, and mitochondria were enlarged with increased vacuoles. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were elevated, indicating an obvious inflammatory response. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased, while the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 decreased. The expression of p-NF-κB p65 was upregulated, and the expression of IκBα was downregulated. In contrast, the Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction groups showed significantly improved of LVEF, LVFS and decreased LVEDD, LVESD compared to the model group. Myocardial tissue damage was alleviated, and intercellular spaces were reduced. The apoptosis rate decreased, mitochondrial volume decreased, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were lower. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 decreased, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased. Additionally, the expression of p-NF-κB p65 decreased, while IκBα expression increased. In summary, this experimental study shows that Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis rate in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related to the regulation of the IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology* ; Male ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Heart Failure/etiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha/genetics* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*

PURPOSE: Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. Stent-graft implantation is an emerging treatment option for PPH. This study reports the outcome of PPH treated with stent-graft implantation. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Between April 2020 and December 2023, 1723 pancreatectomy cases were collected while we screened 12 cases of PPH after pancreatoduodenectomy treated with stent-graft implantation. Patients' medical and radiologic images were retrospectively reviewed. Technical and clinical success, complications, and stent-graft patency were evaluated. Continuous data are reported as means ± standard deviation when normally distributed or as median (Q₁, Q₃) when the data is non-normal distributed. Categorical data are reported as n (%). A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for stent patency and patients' survival. RESULTS: Pancreatic fistula was identified in 6 cases (50.0%), and pseudoaneurysm was identified in 3 cases (25.0%), including pancreatic fistula together with pseudoaneurysm in 1 case (8.3%). All pseudoaneurysm or contrast extravasation sites were successfully excluded with patent distal perfusion, thus technical success was achieved in all cases. The overall survival rate at 6 months and 1 year was 91.7% and 78.6%, respectively. One patient had herniation of the small intestine into the thoracic cavity, which caused a broad thoracic and abdominal infection and died during hospitalization. Rebleeding occurred at the gastroduodenal artery stump in 1 case after stent-graft implantation for the splenic artery and was successfully treated with another stent-graft implantation. Two cases of asymptomatic stent-graft occlusion were observed at 24.6 and 26.3 after the operation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS With suitable anatomy, covered stent-graft implantation is an effective and safe treatment option for PPH with various bleeding sites and causes.
Humans ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy/adverse effects* ; Stents ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Hemorrhage/surgery* ; Aged ; Adult

This study investigated the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on prostate volume (PV) in the general Chinese population. In total, 43 455 participants in The First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (Beijing, China) from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022, undergoing health examinations were included in the study. Participants were categorized into four groups according to PV quartiles: Q1 (PV ≤24.94 ml), Q2 (PV >24.94 ml and ≤28.78 ml), Q3 (PV >28.78 ml and ≤34.07 ml), and Q4 (PV >34.07 ml), with Q1 serving as the reference group. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MetS and PV, with subgroup analyses conducted by age. Among the participants, 18 787 (43.2%) were diagnosed with MetS. In the multivariate analysis model, a significant correlation between MetS and PV was observed, with odds ratios (ORs) increasing as PV increased (Q2, OR = 1.203, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.139-1.271; Q3, OR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.230-1.373; and Q4, OR = 1.556, 95% CI: 1.469-1.648). Analysis of MetS components revealed that all components were positively associated with PV, with abdominal obesity showing the most significant effect. The number of MetS components was identified as a dose-dependent risk factor for elevated PV. The impact of MetS, its components, and component count on PV exhibited a decreasing trend with advancing age. Overall, the influence of MetS, its components, and component count on PV was predominantly observed in the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-59 years. Early intervention targeting MetS can significantly alleviate the increase in PV, particularly benefiting individuals aged 40-59 years who have abdominal obesity.
Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome/complications* ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Aged ; Prostate/diagnostic imaging* ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Organ Size ; China/epidemiology* ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the live birth rate (LBR) using different propensity score methods. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, eligible women who underwent a COH were divided into acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups. The primary outcome was LBR, as determined by propensity score matching (PSM). LBR was defined as the delivery of one or more living infants that reached a gestational age over 28 weeks after embryo transfer. The propensity score model encompassed 16 confounding variables. To validate the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted using three additional propensity score methods: propensity score adjustment, inverse probability weighting (IPW), and IPW with a "doubly robust" estimator. RESULTS: The primary cohort encompassed 9751 patients (1830 [18.76%] in the acupuncture group and 7921 [81.23%] in the non-acupuncture group). Following 1:1 PSM, a higher LBR was found in the acupuncture cohort (41.4% [755/1824] vs 36.4% [664/1824], with an odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.41]). Three additional propensity score methods produced essentially similar results. The risk of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION This retrospective study revealed an association between acupuncture and an increased LBR among patients undergoing COH, and that acupuncture is a safe and valuable treatment option. Please cite this article as: Zheng XY, Jiang ZY, Li YT, Li CL, Zhu H, Yu Z, Yu SY, Yang LL, Tang SY, Lü XY, Liang FR, Yang J. Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):528-536.
Humans ; Female ; Propensity Score ; Embryo Transfer ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy ; Live Birth ; Birth Rate ; Cohort Studies

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of pancreatic fat deposition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),and to explore the relationship between pancreatic fat deposition and islet function.Methods A survey on diabetes prevalence was conducted among 548 residents in the Nicheng community of Pudong New Area from October 2015 to December 2016,including 301 patients with T2DM and 247 subjects with normal glucose tolerance(NGT).General information of the subjects were recorded,blood biochemical and insulin indexes were measured,body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and islet cell sensitivity index(HOMA-β)were calculated.Fatty liver and pancreatic fat deposition were detected by ultrasound.Both the T2DM group and NGT group were further divided into two subgroups according to the pancreatic fat deposition.Differences in general demographic information,biochemical and body fat indices among the groups were compared.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of pancreatic fat deposition.Results In the NGT group,the subgroup with pancreatic fat deposition showed higher levels of age,waist circumference,waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),body mass index(BMI),fasting insulin levels(FINS),2-hour postprandial insulin levels(2 h INS),triglycerides(TG),uric acid(UA),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),fatty liver prevalence,abdominal fat percentage,and abdomen-to-hip ratio(AHR),compared with the subgroup without pancreatic fat deposition.High-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)and limb fat percentage were lower in the subgroup with pancreatic fat deposition.In the T2DM group,the subgroup with pancreatic fat deposition showed higher levels of waist circumference,BMI,FINS,2 h INS,TG,UA,ALT,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),fatty liver prevalence,and abdominal fat percentage,compared with the subgroup without pancreatic fat deposition,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The HOMA-IR and HOMA-β in both NGT and T2DM groups with pancreatic fat deposition were significantly higher than those in the groups without pancreatic fat deposition.The prevalence of insulin resistance also significantly increased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HDL-C,HOMA-β,abdominal fat percentage,age and fatty liver were the influencing factors for pancreatic fat deposition in NGT.Conclusion Elderly individuals with abdominal obesity and fatty liver are more prone to developing pancreatic fat deposition,which can affect islet function and aggravate the insulin resistance.

Objective To summarize and analyze the surgical evolution and clinical efficacy of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)surgery.Methods A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 2050 patients who underwent surgery for BPH in the Department of Urology,the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2012 to August 2022.These patients were divided into 3 groups in chronological order:the early group(n=683),the middle group(n=683)and the late group(n=684).The cumulative time of patients in each group was from January 2012 to February 2017,March 2017 to September 2020 and October 2020 to August 2022.The indicators,such as age,hypertension,diabetes,serum cholesterol,serum triacylglycerol,serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,body mass index(BMI),preoperative prostate volume,prostate specific antigen(PSA),free prostate specific antigen(fPSA),operation time,preoperative hospital stay,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative bladder flushing time,postoperative indwelling time,cystostomy situation,intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion,postoperative readmission rate,and postoperative pathology were collected and compared between 3 groups,and the annual trend of changes in the number of BPH surgeries and surgical methods was analyzed.Results Transurethral resection of prostate(TURP)and TURP+laser resection decreased year by year,while transurethral laser resection of prostate increased and became the mainstream prostate resection method in recent two years,accounting for more than 90%.The patients in the early,middle and late groups were(69.7±7.9)years old,(68.7±7.4)years old and(69.8±8.5)years old(P=0.027);the operation time was 108.0(80.0,130.0)min,80.0(60.0,110.0)min and 75.0(60.0,100.0)min(P<0.001);the postoperative indwelling time was 4.1(2.7,5.9)d,3.9(2.9,4.9)d and 2.7(0.9,3.9)d(P<0.001);the rates of cystostomy were 68.8%,66.6%and 5.0%(P<0.001);the intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion rates were 4.5%,3.1%and 0.9%(P<0.001);the preoperative hospitalization time was 5.6(3.8,7.1)d,4.7(3.5,5.9)d,and 4.7(3.1,6.7)d(P<0.001);the postoperative hospital stays were 5.7(4.8,7.0)d,4.7(3.0,5.9)d and 2.8(1.0,4.0)d(P<0.001),with statistically significant differences.Thirty-seven cases(1.8%)of BPH patients who underwent surgery in our center for 10 years were re-admitted after surgery,and 64 cases had postoperative pathological abnormalities or were diagnosed with prostate cancer,with a total detection rate of 3.1%.Conclusions Laser enucleation of prostate has become the mainstream surgical treatment of BPH in our center,and perioperative indexes such as operation time,hospital stay,postoperative catheter indwelling time,cystostomy rate,and surgical blood transfusion rate have shown a significant improvement trend.